Audi V8

Overview

Standard features for the Audi V8 included a 32-valve, double overhead camshaft (DOHC) V8 engine A five-speed (later in production six-speed) manual transmission was also available.

The Audi V8 had a galvanized steel body, with a 10-year anti-perforation warranty (against corrosion).{{cite web | access-date = 25 September 2012 | archive-url = https://web.archive.org/web/20090511192208/http://www.audifans.com/kb/V8_%28model%29#Pricing_and_equipment | archive-date = 2009-05-11

Factory production commenced in October 1988, and ceased in November 1993, although sales of completed vehicles continued in 1994. It was replaced by the Audi A8 in 1994.

Body style

The Audi V8 used an enlarged version of the bodyshell from the Typ 44 Audi 100 and 200 models, and was based on a stretched version of their Volkswagen Group C3 automobile platform, known either as the D1 or D11

In addition to the standard-length model, there was also a long wheelbase (LWB), ('Lang' in German) version of the V8 (refer to the infobox for differences in dimensions). It was assembled at Steyr-Daimler-Puch factory in Graz (see production figures). This tradition would continue with the A8, offered in "A8L" format (though only in year 2010 A8L reached the size of the V8L).

A once-off experimental Avant (estate) version was built for the wife of former Audi CEO Ferdinand Piech. This car is no longer on display at the Audi Forum Ingolstadt, but in storage in Neckarsulm.

Powertrain

Powertrain The design set the pattern for future Audi-developed Volkswagen Group V8 engines. In addition to using an all-aluminum alloy cylinder block (when the established material was grey cast iron), the camshafts were driven using a hybrid method. A rubber/kevlar toothed timing belt, driven from the front of the crankshaft operated only the exhaust camshaft in each bank. The inlet camshafts were then operated via a simplex roller chain from the exhaust camshaft – the right bank, (cylinders 1–4) at the rear of the engine, and the left bank (cylinders 5–8) at the front of the engine, immediately behind the timing belt. This method reduced the complexity of the timing belt layout, and as a result, required fewer components, such as idler rollers and guides, and led to easier and less costly maintenance of the timing belt and associated components. The intervals for changing the timing belts varied; the 3.6 V8 (PT) required changing every 90000 km, whereas the 4.2 V8 (ABH) had a longer interval at 120000 km. A thermostatically controlled electric cooling fan also became standard, replacing the engine-driven viscous fans on earlier cars. This not only provided forced airflow for the engine coolant radiator, but also for the smaller engine oil cooler.

Audi's 'trademark' quattro permanent (or semi-permanent, dependent on gearbox type) four-wheel drive system was the only offering for the drivetrain. This normally distributes the engine torque as a 'default' 50:50 between front and rear axles, but can automatically dynamically apportion up to a bias of 20:80 to 80:20 front and rear. The automatic transmission utilizes a hydraulically controlled multi-plate clutch to apportion drive between front and rear axles, whereas the manual transmission variants utilize a Torsen type 1 Torque Sensing center differential. The rear axle final drive unit contains a Torsen type 1 Torque Sensing differential, instead of the more common hypoid open differential.

Engines

Both available engines used a Bosch Motronic fully electronic engine control unit (ECU), with cylinder bank selective knock control, dual-barrel throttle valve, lambda mixture control via intake air volume metering and exhaust gas temperature sensor, and required unleaded petrol. Fuel was delivered to the combustion chambers via eight intake manifold-sited electronic fuel injectors, fed from two common fuel rails (one per cylinder bank), and were sequentially 'fired' or activated in accordance with the engine's firing order. Whilst the 3.6 V8 was able to use 95 RON (91 AKI) fuel, for the 4.2 V8, the more expensive 98 RON (93 AKI) 'SuperPlus' unleaded was required in order to achieve the quoted power output. The usage of 95 RON in the 4.2 V8 resulted in a lower power output, as well as increased fuel consumption.

At the initial launch of the Audi V8, the only offering was the 3.6-litre powerplant, which displaced 3562 cc.

Details and performance

Transmissions

A choice of transmissions were offered. There were also two manual transmission offerings – for the 3.6: a five-speed manual gearbox, or later for the 4.2, a six-speed manual. Both manual transmission variants used a 240 mm single-plate clutch.

Details

The details of Audi V8 transmission are shown in the table below:

Steering, brakes, wheels

The Audi V8 came equipped with rack and pinion power assisted steering (PAS) as standard. An electronically controlled variable assisted 'servotronic' version was also available. The fronts also incorporated electronic brake pad wear sensors. The rears were 269 mm by 20 mm, and incorporated a cable-operated parking brake. A Bosch anti-lock braking system (ABS) was also standard.

Standard wheels were 7.5J x 15 H2 ET35 'aero' style light alloy wheels fitted with 215/60 R15 steel-belted radial tyres. Optional multi-spoke BBS-sourced (with Audi centre-cap badge) alloy wheels were also available, in either 8.0J x 16, or 8.0J x 17 sizes.

Features

The Audi V8 came standard with a range of features, including a BOSE audio system with eight speakers, walnut wood trim, leather interior, and heated seats. Some available colors included pearl white, lago blue (teal), blue mica, tornado red and black. All paint finishes were pearlescent or metallic. The lists below details other standard and optional features.

Standard

Standard features that came with the Audi V8.

• Anti-theft vehicle alarm system
• Drivers frontal airbag (from 1991, front passenger airbag)
• Three-point seatbelts front & rear
• Procon-ten safety system
• Child safety door locks
• First aid kit (built in armrest in the rear seats)
• Two-side galvanized bodywork
• Automatic climate control system
• Electronic cruise control
• Dual power side mirrors with electrically heated defog
• Power windows with rear window disable
• Power central locking system
• Trip information computer (6 function)
• Auto check system with radio function display
• Expandable storage/ski sack
• Tinted glass
• Rear window defogger
• Interior lighting courtesy delay
• Illuminated vanity mirrors, trunk engine compartment, glovebox, lighters and ashtray
• Audi/Bose eight-speaker music system
• GSM cellular telephone with hands-free feature (built in armrest between front seats)
• Walnut wood trim, woven wool carpets
• Power front seats with 4-position driver memory
• Electrically heatable front & rear seats
• Aerodynamic halogen headlamps with wiper/washer system
• Front wipers with intermittent mode and heated windshield washer nozzles
• Front & rear fog lights

Optional

Optional features that were offered with the Audi V8.

• Electrically heated door lock cylinders
• Sports front seats with extendable thigh support
• Power operated rear window roller sunblind, with manual operated rear side window roller sunblinds
• Webasto fuel-burning cabin heater

Motorsport

Audi developed a Group A competition version of the Audi V8 for entry into the Deutsche Tourenwagen Meisterschaft (DTM) (German Touring Car Championship) auto racing series equipped with a 309 kW, later 340 kW, 3.6 V8 engine and 6-speed manual transmission, and began racing with it in 1990 with Schmidt MotorSport (SMS) running the operation, and Hans-Joachim Stuck, Walter Röhrl and Frank Jelinski driving. In the 1990 DTM season all of the three teams claimed together the entire podium (1st, 2nd and 3rd places) at Hockenheimring race. Stuck won the title, and the following year, Audi added a second team to the mix, Audi Zentrum Reutlingen (AZR). SMS continued with Stuck and Jelinski, while AZR raced with Frank Biela and Hubert Haupt. Biela gave Audi another crown in 1991, but was unable to defend the title in 1992.

For the 1992 season, Audi had changed their engines to use a 180° flatplane crankshaft, which they said had been re-forged and bent from the original 90° crossplane part as used in production model. The DTM organisers found this highly modified crankshaft deviated from original homologated standard crankshaft, and therefore deemed it illegal. Audi subsequently withdrew from the championship.

During its presence at DTM the Audi V8 competed with much smaller and about 300 kg lighter Mercedes 190, BMW M3, and slightly smaller Opel Omega 3000. None of those cars were equipped with V8 engines or 4-wheel drive.

Sales

References

References

1. "Das quattro-Getriebe im V8 (''The quattro transmission in the V8'')". AudiV8.com.
2. (22 February 2005). "25 Years of Audi Quattro". AUDI AG, INGOLSTADT, Germany / Audi of America – media site.
3. (2 March 2010). "Always a born winner – 30 years of Audi quattro". AUDI AG, INGOLSTADT, Germany / Audi-MediaServices.com.
4. "VW Group Official Parts Catalogue". Etkainfo.com.
5. "Audi V8 (D11/4C) – Technische Daten". Motor Presse Netzwerk.
6. "Audi V8 3.6 (1988–1994)". TopCarGuide.com.
7. "Audi V8 1998 – 1994". AutoEvolution.
8. "V8 (model) – Knowledgebase". Audifans.com.
9. (21 November 2009). "Audi V8 Avant".
10. "Audi V8 4.2 (1991–1993)". TopCarGuide.com.
11. (24 October 2007). "Crikey! Look at these brake discs? (with image)". tyresmoke.net.
12. "Anti-lock Braking System (ABS) G-Force Sensor Modules". Switch Out.
13. "The DTM season 1990". DTM.
14. (2011). "Car: The Definitive Visual History of the Automobile". Penguin.
15. Wagstaff, Ian. (2011). "Audi R8". Veloce Publishing Ltd.
16. "The DTM season 1991". DTM.
17. (9 August 2012). "DTM history at the Audi museum mobile". AudiWorld.
18. "Mercedes 190 E 16v". Mercedes.
19. "Annual Report 1990". Volkswagen.
20. "Annual Report 1992". Volkswagen.
21. "Annual Report 1994". Volkswagen.